Delhi air quality improves slightly but remains poor as smog persists

Delhi's air quality improved marginally on Sunday but remained in the moderate-to-poor range as smog lingered, with chilly weather and fog expected through the week

Air quality in the national capital showed a marginal improvement on Sunday, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) recorded at 196 at 7 am, placing it in the ‘moderate’ category, according to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).

 

This marked an improvement from Saturday, when the AQI stood at 227 at 4 pm and was classified as ‘poor’.

 

Despite the improvement, a thin layer of smog continued to linger in parts of the city, and overall air quality remained largely poor across several areas.

 

Delhi area-wise AQI levels on Sunday

 

According to CPCB data, Mundka recorded the highest AQI at 266, followed by Pusa (257), Narela (247), Rohini (247), Ashok Vihar (243), Jahangirpuri (242), Anand Vihar (225), and Chandni Chowk (220), all in the ‘poor’ category.

 

 

While ITO stood at 140, placing it in the ‘moderate’ category.

 

In contrast, Sri Aurobindo Marg recorded the lowest AQI at 126, followed by IGI Airport (131), Aya Nagar (136), Lodhi Road (139), IIT Delhi (141), and ITO (140), all in the ‘moderate’ category.

 

CPCB AQI categories explained

 

0–50: Good

51–100: Satisfactory

101–200: Moderate

201–300: Poor

301–400: Very Poor

401–500: Severe

 

Delhi AQI outlook for the coming days

 

According to the Air Quality Early Warning System (AQEWS), air quality is likely to remain in the ‘moderate to poor’ category on Sunday. On Monday, it is expected to slip back into the ‘poor’ category. The outlook for the subsequent six days suggests air quality is likely to stay in the ‘poor’ range.

 

Delhi Metro pollution control steps to curb air pollution

 

Earlier this week, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said the Delhi Metro has completed the installation of mist spray systems and anti-smog guns at all 143 elevated stations, marking a significant step in efforts to curb air pollution, reported PTI.

 

In total, 131 mist spray systems and 12 anti-smog guns have been installed across the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) network. The coverage includes 89 on-road and 54 off-road elevated stations. Anti-smog guns were deployed at locations where technical limitations prevented the installation of mist spray systems.

 

CM Gupta said the initiative was completed ahead of the targeted timeline and described it as a practical, on-ground measure to improve air quality in high-footfall public spaces such as metro stations.

 

Delhi weather forecast: Cold conditions and fog expected

 

Delhi residents woke up to moderate fog and a partly chilly morning on Sunday. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted mainly clear skies for the national capital, with a possibility of mist. The minimum temperature is expected to range between 9 and 11 degrees Celsius, while the maximum is likely to hover between 22 and 24 degrees Celsius.

 

Looking ahead, Delhi is expected to witness mostly clear skies and chilly conditions through the coming week, with no major weather disturbances forecast.